Washington, DC (Sports Network) - During Philadelphia's run of five
consecutive NL East titles, the Washington Nationals watched as the Phillies
celebrated winning division crowns on three occasions.

Despite losing by a 2-0 score, Washington returned the favor Monday night in
front of their fans at Nationals Park.

A 2-1 loss by the Atlanta Braves in Pittsburgh cemented the Nationals as 2012
NL East champs. It's the franchise's first division title in 31 years, back
when the club was known as the Montreal Expos.

"A lot of us have gone through the losing," Nationals third baseman Ryan
Zimmerman said. "To be in this position...is very satisfying."

The Phillies clinched in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in games against their divisional
foes.

Philadelphia starter Kyle Kendrick (11-12) scattered four hits over seven
strong innings and Darin Ruf supplied all the offense with a two-run triple in
the second.

If the Phillies win at least one of their two remaining games, they'll finish
above .500 for a franchise-best 10th straight season.

John Lannan (4-1) gave up two runs on six hits and three walks over five
frames for the Nationals, who failed to get a hit in all eight at-bats with
runners in scoring position.

Washington loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the second, but
Lannan grounded into an inning-ending fielder's choice.

The Nationals stranded a runner at third in the sixth and put two men on
base in the eighth. However, Philadelphia's John Mayberry robbed
Zimmerman by making a diving grab in center for the second out, and Jeremy
Horst then struck out Adam LaRoche.

With the crowd aware of the outcome in Pittsburgh, they cheered loudly even
though Phillippe Aumont retired the Nationals in order in the ninth for his
second save.

"It made me mad," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said of having to watch the
Nationals clinch. "I'm a bad loser, and I always will be."

Game Notes

Kendrick tied his career high for wins ... Nationals reliever Craig Stammen
recorded six strikeouts in his two innings of work ... Phillies shortstop
Jimmy Rollins missed the game with an injured right calf.